MDP engaged in coalition talks with parties for possible election runoff

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih states the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is engaged in talks with all political parties, except for the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) regarding partnering for a coalition if the upcoming presidential election heads for a runoff.

Speaking to reporters during his campaign tour of L. Atoll on Tuesday, President Solih said that it is now clear to some of the presidential candidates that they have no chance in the first round of voting.

“The other parties are in different levels of talks with us. I believe some of them believe they have no hope for the first round,” he said.

He also invited MPs who left MDP to join The Democrats to rejoin his party.

“I invite all of them, even those who have distanced themselves from us. There will always be room for you within the MDP,” he said.

“Though some of those who left us have some political differences in opinion with us, I believe we share the same vision for the development of this country.”

Both North Kulhudhuffushi MP Yasir Abdul Latheef and Thoddoo MP Ahmed Shiyan recently rejoined the MDP.

He said that the MDP was engaged in talks with more MPs regarding rejoining the party.

President Solih said that though some members had left MDP, the party remained strong in the grassroots level in islands in the atolls. He said that members were rejoining the MDP because the party continues to be popular among the general public.

“I have certainly never had any financial dealings with any MP, or engaged in any act of bribery,” he said, responding to allegations that he was bribing MPs into rejoining the MDP.